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“What difference does it make?” We have all asked that question at some point. It’s easy for us to think about what we lack rather than what we have. However, this mindset is a kindness killer, causing us to miss out on opportunities for God to work through us and within us.

In this week’s sermon, we explore the passage leading up to Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves of bread and two fish (Mark 6:30-38). Although the disciples focused on the fact that they didn’t have enough, Jesus took what little they did have and used it to meet the needs of the crowd. As followers of Christ, we are called to be “5 + 2” people—giving whatever we have to God and allowing Him to use it to cultivate kindness both in us and around us.

When we think about Jesus’ life and ministry, we often think of the miracles, healings, and teachings. In just three short years, Jesus changed the world and yet, he did not seem to be in a hurry. In fact, in the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus making time for the intentional pursuit of purpose, rest, and for a grace-filled response to interruptions.

In a world that glorifies speed, productivity, and constant hustle, we may find ourselves moving through life at an unreasonable rate. This not only kills kindness, but also causes us to miss what’s most important. Creating a Jesus-ish rhythm enables us to move at a reasonable rate and make time for what’s important, helping us cultivate kindness within us and around us.

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All of us want more kindness. So, what stands between our desire for and our actual experience of more kindness? In other words, if all of us want more kindness, why do we not have a more kind society?

In this week’s sermon, we look at Mark 2 in which Jesus is criticized for associating with tax collectors and sinners. Through Jesus’ response and example, we learn what it means to cultivate kindness within us and around us, especially to those who might be considered to be undeserving of our kindness.

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Everyone has a different take on New Year’s. Are you into resolutions or intentions? Do you pick a word for the year? Maybe New Year’s is no big thing for you, and it’s just like every other day. With this week’s sermon, we learn a unique and helpful way to view the new year by looking at the foundation of Jesus’ ministry.

In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus began his ministry by proclaiming the good news that God is near and the time has come for change and reorientation (repent and believe). In other words, it is time to stop doing the things that lead us away from God and start doing the things that lead us toward God. This truth can change the way we approach the new year as we seek to grow spiritually and bring about real, lasting change in our lives.

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Among the many titles given to Mary, the mother of Jesus, she was also known as theotokos or “God-bearer.” Just as God chose Mary, He has also chosen to be in a relationship with you. As followers of Christ, we carry the presence of God with us wherever we go. This Christmas, remember that you are carrying the Holy Spirit inside of you and are called to bear God to the world around you.

In this week’s sermon, we continue the backstory of Jesus in Luke 1 by looking at Mary, an ordinary young woman who was chosen and called by God. Although she did not fully understand God’s plan or timing, Mary’s response provides an example of how we are to open ourselves to the wonder of what God wants to do in our lives, even in the midst of waiting.

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Although it may look different for each of us, at some point we all experience some form of hopelessness. This may be the result of our own doing or simply the reality of living in a fallen, broken world. Whatever the cause or circumstance, what matters is how we respond. 

In Luke 18, Jesus takes the time to stop and engage with a blind beggar. Because of the blind man’s faith, Jesus restores his sight. From this passage, we learn that hope often begins in desperation, it requires action, and it ultimately leads to transformation.

Winston Churchill was quoted as saying, “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” We put a lot of effort in trying to make a living (and rightly so); but how do we go about making a life? 

In this week’s sermon, we explore this question by studying the words of the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:32-35) and Jesus (Matthew 13:31-32) to learn how to cultivate a life of generosity. As this year draws to a close, we focus on how to End Well in 2024 and Start Strong in 2025.